Sport & Performance

Magdalena Gorzelany-Dziadkowiec: Connecting Academic Excellence with the Future of Women's Football

Written by Admin • 2026-11-05 01:14:00

Magdalena Gorzelany-Dziadkowiec is a distinguished academic specialising in organisational competitiveness, entrepreneurship and innovation, whose professional journey extends beyond the university environment. Born in Kraków, Poland, she has combined her academic career with a strong commitment to community development and women's football. As director of LKS Respekt Myślenice, she has helped strengthen opportunities for female players while contributing to the development of women's football in Poland. Her story demonstrates how academic knowledge, professional leadership and social engagement can work together to create lasting value.

Magdalena Gorzelany-Dziadkowiec: Connecting Academic Excellence with the Future of Women's Football

Magdalena Gorzelany-Dziadkowiec: A Leader in Polish Women's Football

Connecting Academic Excellence with the Future of Women's Football

An Academic Journey Built on Innovation

Magdalena Gorzelany-Dziadkowiec began her academic journey at the Kraków University of Economics, where she specialised in entrepreneurship and innovation. Her commitment to research and education led to a doctoral degree in 2006, followed by her habilitation in 2023, marking an important milestone in her academic career.

Throughout her professional journey, she has been associated with the university's Department of International Management and Logistics, where she has contributed as a lecturer and researcher. Her academic work combines theoretical knowledge with practical perspectives on organisational competitiveness, management and innovation.

Education has always been an important part of her professional identity. Having educated and supervised more than 300 students, she sees teaching not simply as the transfer of knowledge, but also as an opportunity to mentor future professionals and encourage independent thinking. Her dedication to education has been recognised through distinctions including the Medal of the Commission of National Education, reflecting her contribution to academic development and teaching.

Championing Women's Football in Poland

Magdalena Gorzelany-Dziadkowiec's commitment to society extends beyond academia. As a member of the Myślenice City Council, she has been actively involved in addressing local community issues while supporting the development of sport in the region.

One of her most significant contributions has been her leadership at LKS Respekt Myślenice. As director of the club, she has helped establish it as an important centre for women's football development in Poland. Under her leadership, the team achieved promotion to the First League of Women's Football and reached the quarter-finals of the Polish Women's Cup.

Her vision extends beyond competitive results. She is committed to creating professional conditions in which female players can develop their abilities, gain recognition and pursue long-term sporting ambitions. The club's achievements reflect the importance of consistent organisational work, strong leadership and investment in women's football.

Her involvement also reaches the wider sporting community through the Małopolska Football Association and the Women's Football Commission of the Polish Football Association (PZPN). Through these activities, she contributes to discussions and initiatives aimed at strengthening the structure, visibility and future development of women's football in Poland.

Research, Education and Practical Innovation

Research and innovation remain central to Magdalena Gorzelany-Dziadkowiec's academic work. With approximately 150 publications to her name, she has explored subjects related to organisational competitiveness, innovation management and the development of modern management systems.

Her research increasingly focuses on the role of information technologies and intelligent systems in organisational management. These areas are particularly relevant to businesses operating in rapidly changing markets, where effective decision-making, access to information and the ability to adapt are essential for maintaining competitiveness.

Her academic interests also include organisational culture, knowledge management and the relationships between innovation and business development. By connecting theoretical research with practical applications, she contributes to management approaches that can be applied across different sectors of the economy.

Beyond publishing research, she actively shares her knowledge through lectures, academic activities and professional training. For her, education and innovation are closely connected: knowledge becomes most valuable when it inspires people to question established approaches, develop new ideas and turn them into practical solutions.

Personal Passions and the Values Behind Her Journey

Behind Magdalena Gorzelany-Dziadkowiec's academic and sporting commitments is a personal philosophy shaped by determination, cooperation and openness to others. These values influence how she approaches professional challenges, works with different communities and supports the development of people around her.

Outside her academic and sports responsibilities, she enjoys literature, music and outdoor activities, which provide opportunities for relaxation and maintaining balance in a demanding professional life. Family is equally important to her. Together with her husband, a recognised confectioner, she raises three children, while the arrival of grandchildren has brought another meaningful dimension to family life.

She believes that achievement is rarely the result of individual effort alone. Whether in academia, sport or everyday life, progress requires persistence, the ability to overcome difficulties and a willingness to cooperate with others.

This philosophy is reflected in her work with students, colleagues and young female athletes. She encourages people to recognise their potential, remain committed to their ambitions and approach challenges with confidence. For her, success is not simply about reaching personal goals, but also about creating opportunities for others to grow.


Every success, whether personal or achieved by the team, is the result of hard work, determination and the ability to overcome difficult situations.
— Magdalena Gorzelany-Dziadkowiec
Facts & Insights
  • Magdalena Gorzelany-Dziadkowiec earned her doctoral degree in 2006 and completed her habilitation in 2023 at the Kraków University of Economics.
  • She has authored approximately 150 academic publications and contributed to the education and development of more than 300 students.
  • As director of LKS Respekt Myślenice, she has contributed to the development of women's football, including the club's promotion to the First League of Women's Football and its quarter-final appearance in the Polish Women's Cup.
150+ Academic publications
300+ Students educated and supervised
2006 Doctoral degree
2023 Habilitation achievement
Magdalena Gorzelany-Dziadkowiec
— Magdalena Gorzelany-Dziadkowiec

Image sources

Photo: Personal Collection of Magdalena Gorzelany-Dziadkowiec